-
Why in News: The UN’s “Trends in Maternal Mortality: 2000–2023” report highlights India’s maternal mortality trends.
-
India’s Contribution: India is the second-largest contributor to global maternal deaths (7.2%) after Nigeria. 19,000 maternal deaths were recorded in India in 2023.
-
India’s Progress: India’s MMR has decreased significantly, from 384 in 2000 to 80 in 2023, an 86% decline since 1990, exceeding the global average.
-
Global Trends: Global MMR declined from 328 to 197 per 100,000 live births between 2000 and 2023 but the pace of progress has slowed.
-
Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest MMR (454), while Australia and New Zealand have the lowest. Significant variations exist within India as well, with some states lagging behind national average.
-
SDG Target: Achieving SDG target 3.1 (MMR below 70 by 2030) requires a much faster annual rate of reduction.
-
Concerns: Despite progress, India’s high absolute number of maternal deaths indicates gaps in healthcare access and quality.
-
Ministry’s Stand: The Union Health Ministry views comparing India’s MMR to Nigeria’s based on absolute numbers as misleading due to population differences.
-
Challenges: Access to skilled birth care in rural areas and the rise of NCDs like diabetes and hypertension contribute to maternal deaths. Humanitarian funding cuts are impacting essential healthcare.
-
Way Forward: Strengthen primary healthcare, focus on vulnerable regions, integrate policies with SDG 5 and 10, enhance data systems, and leverage digital platforms.
